When your iPad feels sluggish or you’re handing it off to someone else and want to completely wipe the slate clean, performing a factory reset is something you might consider. This process restores an iPad back to its original out-of-the-box state, deleting all of the device’s personal data and settings in the process.
Preparing for a Factory Reset
Before you proceed with the actual resetting steps, it’s crucial to back up your data. Doing so will ensure that you don’t lose any important information like photos, documents, or app data. You can back up your iPad using iCloud or by connecting it to another computer via USB cable:
- iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] (topmost option) > iCloud > select the apps where you wish to backup data.
- Computer Backup: Connect your iPad to a computer, open iTunes or Finder on macOS Catalina and later versions, then follow the guided prompts to back up your device.
How to Factory Reset Your iPad
There are two methods of performing a factory reset: through settings and by using recovery mode. Ensure that you have backed up all necessary data before attempting either method:
Method 1 – Through Settings
- Open Settings: From the home screen, tap on “Settings.”
- Proceed to General: Scroll down and select “General” from the list.
- Find Reset Option: Scroll all the way down until you see “Reset,” then tap it.
- Select Erase All Content and Settings: Confirm your choice by tapping “Erase All Content and Settings.” This will wipe everything—from your apps to photos—and restore your iPad back to its factory state.
Method 2 – Using Recovery Mode
If your iPad has been unresponsive or experiencing significant issues where it doesn’t even boot properly, you might need to perform the reset through recovery mode. Here’s how:
- Connect Your iPad: Connect your device via USB to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
- Put iPad Into DFU Mode: Holding down both power and home buttons for 5 seconds, then releasing the power button but continuing to hold the home button until you see the recovery mode screen on your computer or a prompt asking whether you wish to restore from backup or set up as new. For iPads with Touch ID/Face ID, follow these steps: Turn off the iPad by holding down the Sleep/Wake button for at least 3 seconds and sliding the “slide to power off” slider, then press and hold both the Home button and the top button for about 10 seconds until you see the option to either restore or update.
- Initiate Restore: In recovery mode, choose “Restore” from iTunes/Finder.
Post-Reset Actions
Once your iPad has been reset, your device will act as if it’s brand new out of the box. You’ll need to set up iCloud accounts, sign in for app purchases, and start installing apps again from scratch.
This procedure can be quite drastic but is necessary sometimes to bring back optimal performance or when transferring ownership.
Before you delve into setting everything up anew on your freshly reset iPad, it might also be worth checking if a simple update or cleaning out unused apps isn’t just as effective in revitalizing its speed and efficiency without losing all personalized settings.
